Is the RECC code to protect?

• • #13615 Reply
    
    Lee

    Guest

    Hey guys and gals. Does the RECC code protect you if the company goes bust? What happens if my system develops a fault in 4 years time and the installation company no longer exists?

  • #13617 Reply
    
    Solar Stu

    Guest

    In simplistic terms, RECC (Renewable Energy Consumer Code) is the renewable energy industry’s equivalent of the ten commandments. If a solar company displays the RECC symbol, then they promise to adhere to strict guidelines, which will ultimately protect the consumer and stamp out double glazing tactics.

    The main points of these guidelines are:

    All solar installers must under RECC rules offer a guarantee period – However, they give the installers the option to offer five years. You will find that most reputable installers will actually offer 10 years of peace of mind.

    All RECC installation warranties have to be insurance backed.

    RECC companies must not spend longer than two hours in a house and not reduce pricing offers by more than £250 from an original quoted price.

    Firstly, you should be given an estimated ‘annual projected figures’ of performance before purchasing. It forms an essential part of the quotation as required by RECC and the MCS too.

    Pre-approved technologies and minimum standards of installation.

    Pre-approved procedures in the event of any problems.

    You should have 14 days, cool-off period for cancellation.

    Of the thousands of installations that occur each month today, it is to the RECC’s credit that only a few people need to make a complaint. Any solar company found to be flaunting these consumer protective measures would be struck off and in some case’s their MCS accreditation revoked too.

    These bodies are designed to weed out the 1% of bad solar companies, which give the 99% of good solar companies a bad name.

  • #13726 Reply
    
    Norman

    Guest

    Price alone is not a reason to complain to either RECC or MCS as far as I know.

    What would be interesting to know is:

    1. What kind of projected generation and returns where your parents given.
    2. Were they given the proper cooling of period.
    3. Were they put under any sales pressure.
    4. Did they “sign on the night” and if so were they offered any large discounts.

    The RECC Code of Conduct does not allow its members to:

    Stay in a house longer than necessary.
    Offer you a discount to sign on the day
    Claim there is a limited availability of a product
    Offer a high price followed by a large discount
    Withhold price information till the end of the call.